MEMORIAL DATE After Sundown Sunday, March 24 Keep doing this in remembrance of me.​—Luke 22:19.

[Áine]

MEMORIAL DATE
After Sundown
Sunday, March 24

Keep doing this in remembrance of me.—Luke 22:19.

 

Each year during the Memorial season, we show our appreciation for what Jesus has done by taking time to meditate prayerfully on the meaning of his death. We also encourage as many as possible to join us for this special occasion. And we are determined not to allow anything to prevent us from attending the Memorial. At the Memorial, we learn why mankind needs a ransom and how the death of one man can atone for the sins of many. We are reminded of what the bread and the wine represent and who should partake of them. (Luke 22:19, 20) And we meditate on the blessings that are in store for those who cherish the earthly hope. (Isa. 35:5, 6; 65:17, 21-23) We should not take these truths for granted. w23.01 20 ¶2; 21 ¶4

 

Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 13) Mark 14:12-16; Matthew 26:17-19(Events after sunset: Nisan 14) Mark 14:17-72

[Dages]

The morning worship video with the illustrated reading is beautiful

[ljq]

Can the chairman ask another Elder to give the opening prayer for the memorial?
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1976083?q=memorial+chairman&p=par

 

[trottigy]

3 minutes ago, ljq said:

Can the chairman ask another Elder to give the opening prayer for the memorial?
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1976083?q=memorial+chairman&p=par

 

 

It would be unusual, but there isn't a stipulation against it. IS there a reason that the chairman can't offer the prayer? Or would it be better to have the one the elders want offering the opening pray be the chairman?

[ljq]

None... I seen it both ways in my 50 plus years.

 

[trottigy]

There is a form S-126 that outlines the process. It does not mention calling up someone else for praying. That form follows the same process mentioned in the link:

 

"How is the meeting conducted? At the Memorial gathering a brother who serves as the chairman gives a brief welcome and opens the meeting with a song and a prayer. This is followed by the Memorial talk ..."

 

It leads you to the idea that the chairman gives the prayer, but it doesn't say he MUST. It seems there could be room for a body of elders to make that determination. It is just one more shuffle up to the lectern at a time when we have a lot of guests - keeping things simple is usually desired. 

 

I would trust the elders made a good decision and have good reasons if they change it up a bit. I hope you enjoy your memorial and that everything runs smoothly. Having been behind the scenes in coordinating dozens - it is a lot of work and moving parts. It all looks pretty seamless when you are there but know the brothers and sisters spent a consider amount of time getting things together so it looks that way.

 

In our congregation we have a lot of young ones - they did a big get-together this weekend with them to have fun making the bread. Keep us all in your prayers that these go smoothly all around the world!

 

For many decades I have pictured the memorial as a huge tidal wave of praise to Jehovah and His son that goes all the way around the planet. It starts in some remote island on one side of the international date line and splashes down just a small distance away on a nearby island.

Edited 2 hours ago by trottigy

[ljq]

My Brother,
Thank you for sharing that. I truly didn’t mean for my question to be taken in any unintended way. I was simply asking. It isn’t my Memorial, and I’m confident Jehovah will bless all their efforts.

[trottigy]

I had not ill thought about it. It is always good to make sure we follow directions and assist others to do the same. Also, I know you feel the same as I do - "love believes all things". We trust our brothers that we love. I feel the same about you - you just wanted to know the direction. 

 

I wish you the best my brother.

Edited 1 hour ago by trottigy